The Supreme Defense Council of Romania has decided to transfer one Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, according to the Romanian President's administration.
"Given the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine as a result of Russia's constant and massive attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially energy infrastructure, and the regional consequences of this situation, in particular for Romania's security, in close coordination with allies, the members of the Council decided to donate the Patriot system to Ukraine," the Defense Council says in a statement.
The donation will be made on the condition that Romania continues negotiations with allies, especially the United States, to obtain a similar or equivalent air defense system.
Zelenskyy's reaction
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Romania and its President Klaus Iohannis for the decision to provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense system.
"This crucial contribution will bolster our air shield and help us better protect our people and critical infrastructure from Russian air terror. I appreciate Romania's strong leadership and principled support for Ukraine," he says.
At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasizes that such a step strengthens security not only in Ukraine but also in the entire region and Europe.
"By putting an end to Russian terror now, Ukraine prevents potential aggression against Moldova, Romania, the Baltic states, and all of our neighbours. It is critical for Ukraine to have the necessary tools to defeat Russian terror now so that no one else has to face Russia's aggressive actions on a larger scale in the future," he says.
Patriot for Ukraine
At the end of May, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said that the decision on the fate of the Patriot system would be up to the Supreme National Defense Council. At the same time, he emphasized that the transfer of the system should not negatively affect Romania's air defense.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said that the Romanian Defense Minister disagreed with this idea.
Nevertheless, the authorities have not abandoned consideration of the possibility of transferring the Patriot, as the system can be used to protect Romanian territory as well.